At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to transform Haringey through innovative placemaking projects.
- Company: Join Haringey Council, a vibrant and diverse borough in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days leave, hybrid working, health support, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team passionate about creating better places for residents.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on communities and shape the future of Haringey.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in local authority and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 101709 - 119043 £ per year.
Hours per week: 36 per week
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: Tuesday 26th July 2026 at 23:59
Expected interview date: W/c 10th August 2026
Starting salary: HC3 (£101,709 – £119,043)
Work location: Alexandra House, 10 Station Road, Wood Green, London, N22 7TR
About Haringey
Haringey is a fantastic place to live and work – the world in one borough. A place brimming with creativity, personality, radicalism, and community. It is a place where we stand up for each other. A place that is proudly distinctive. We’ll be celebrating all this and more as the “rebel borough” when we are the 2027 London Borough of Culture.
About The Role
This is a truly exciting opportunity to shape the future of Haringey. As Head of Placemaking, you will lead a dynamic, multi‑disciplinary team at the forefront of delivering the borough’s most ambitious regeneration programmes – including High Road West and Wood Green Central – alongside a diverse portfolio of place‑based projects that will transform neighbourhoods and improve outcomes for residents. You will play a pivotal role in driving forward inclusive, sustainable growth – working with developers and partners to deliver against the Council’s emerging Local Plan and Inclusive Growth ambitions. This role will oversee the delivery of hundreds of new homes, as well as high‑quality employment and community spaces, while also securing vital external funding and investment to bring key political priorities to life. Success in this role will depend on your ability to work collaboratively across the Council, and to build strong, trusted relationships with government, key stakeholders, developers, partners and local communities. You will bring a sharp understanding of both the public and private sectors, with a strong commercial mindset and a clear grasp of development viability. This is a unique chance to lead at scale, shape places that matter, and leave a lasting legacy in one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs.
About The Team
This role sits within the Culture, Strategy and Communities directorate, working under the leadership of the Director of Placemaking and Community Development. As Head of Placemaking, you will be a key member of a forward‑thinking leadership team, working collaboratively and at pace alongside the Head of Inclusive Economy, Head of Estate Renewal and Head of Resettlement to deliver meaningful impact across the borough. You will lead an agile, high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary team, bringing together a broad mix of skills and expertise to deliver. This is a team that thrives on collaboration, embraces challenge, and is passionate about creating better places and stronger communities for Haringey’s residents.
About You
We’re looking for an inspiring leader who is genuinely passionate about placemaking and communities, and driven to make a lasting difference in Haringey. You will bring significant experience operating at a senior level within a local authority context, with a proven ability to navigate complexity and deliver at pace. You’ll be highly skilled in stakeholder management, with a strong track record of building effective, trusted and productive relationships with members, key stakeholders and private sector partners. You will understand the commercial realities and viability challenges of delivering large‑scale regeneration and placemaking projects, and know how to balance ambition with delivery. As a confident and experienced leader, you will have led large, multi‑disciplinary teams, empowering them to perform at their best and deliver exceptional outcomes. You’ll thrive in a fast‑paced, politically‑led environment, bringing energy, resilience and a solutions‑focused mindset. Above all, you’ll be passionate about Haringey, with the drive, creativity and determination to turn bold visions into reality and create places where communities can truly flourish.
Working for Haringey
At Haringey Council we are committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included, and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits of a diverse workforce so welcome applications from all ethnicities and communities so that we continue to make a difference to our residents and community. Our benefits package includes a leave entitlement of 31 days + bank holidays, potential hybrid working opportunities, health and wellbeing support, a generous local government pension scheme and a range of discount schemes across leisure and culture that provide both financial and money‑saving discounts.
Please note: we reserve the right to end this advert before the noted deadline if we receive sufficient applications. If you wish to apply for this role, please ensure that you do so as soon as possible. Additionally, we are aware that automated emails may be diverted through to junk email folders. Please continue to check these through the application process. If you have any questions regarding the status of your application, please contact ResourcingHub@haringey.gov.uk
Head of Placemaking employer: Haringey Council
Haringey Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and employee well-being. With generous leave, health support, and opportunities for hybrid working, employees can enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic while contributing to the safety and cleanliness of their neighbourhoods in vibrant Wood Green, London. The council also fosters professional growth, ensuring that team members can develop their skills and advance within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Placemaking
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Haringey Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Haringey Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Placemaking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Haringey Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haringey Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Haringey Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Haringey Council.
